Evening Edition

In today's session, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim discussed flood disaster management, one of which involves the launch of the Permanent Disaster Relief Centres. Other topics discussed include motorcycle lanes on highways as well as the implementation of the progressive wage policy.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Malaysia Education Blueprint launched in 2013 has long since acted as a primary guideline in our journey to transform the country's education system. We speak to Radzifuddin Nordin, CEO of PADU, on what the blueprint has achieved, the stumbles they've overcome over the years and the role that PADU plays in helping to push forward better education for all.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A post on X has ignited discussions on what Malaysian culture actually means. So whether it's saying "on the way" when you're not really on the way, our propensity to care whether someone has eaten or not, and the double thank you exchanges between receiver and giver - these are all examples of the behaviours that we share. So we discuss Malaysian culture as a whole, with our listeners.Image Credit: 123rfSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's session, we hear updates on the Rakan Muda program, discussions on whether we need an anti-cyberbullying law as well as quotas for subsidised cooking oil (and whether a different approach would be better. Cash handouts were a suggestion in this matter).Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A post on X has called on Malaysians to stop normalising RM20 meals as cheap and cheerful, pointing out that the average Singaporean earning SGD4,000 a month only pays SGD10 for their meals. This raised the question of whether our perception of food costs are terribly skewed, or if we're aware of expensive meals (and just 'tak apa' our way through).Image Credit: UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On November 23 2023, the Court of Appeal has ruled that vernacular schools are constitutional, dismissing the appeal of four NGOs, which sought to declare the usage of Chinese and Tamil languages as unconstitutional. We speak to Datuk Arthur Wang, one of the lawyers who represented Chung Hwa School in the case, about the legalities of this issue, and the final ruling.Image Credit: BernamaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An X user shared an anonymous message from someone who was currently on the job hunt, but was discouraged by their parents who believed it was already too late for them to start working. This brought up a discussion on who we should take career advice from.Image Credit: UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, our MPs had a robust discussion on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) and how much was spent on treating them. Other topics discussed include helping businesses recover from the economic slowdown and introducing 9,000 new teachers next year.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

X is abuzz with a discussion about the words we borrow from English, after a user posted an article called "Stop Borrowing Words From English" that gave examples like "Futej" (Footage) and the word "infeksi" when it should be "Jangkitan." So we talk about where to cross the line when borrowing words, and some of the more infamous examples.Image Credit: UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's session kicked off with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's position as Finance Minister being questioned by Pagoh MP (and former PM) Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, who claimed the rakyat were not confident in Anwar's ability to revive the economy. Other topics discussed include solar rooftops, whether employers were complying with maternity leave policies, and the lack of law programmes in Sabah universities.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Did you know MYDIN has a section on local products, organised by the state they were manufactured in? This is exactly what's been all the buzz on X lately, so we discussed our (and yours) favourite local snacks.Image Credit: X / MydinMalaysiaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's Tuesday, which means today's parliament featured Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim quite a bit, and discussions involved the upcoming Coldplay concert as well as the ongoing constitutional challenge against the Kelantan syariah law.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today in Dewan Rakyat, MPs discussed the issue of road safety issue involving personal micromobility vehicles (PMV) such as electric scooters and mopeds, with Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Hasbi Habibollah being against the idea of licenses for PMV riders as there had been backlash previously with the suggestion to create licences for cyclists. Other topics debated include mental health concerns amongst children living in PPRs, and the Education Ministry intending to implement a one-session school system while maintaining a limit of 35 students per class.Image Credit: BernamaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke says there are no plans to set a floor price for e-hailing services, as it may lead to higher fares that will burden customers. Drivers worry that if the government does not take action, e-hailing companies may manipulate the fares and that will impact their welfare. We speak to a representative of the Grab Drivers Association Malaysia on what needs to be done, and listeners share their thoughts.Image Credit: 123rfSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's session involved a discussion on the government's plans to eradicate poverty, and how the government's Central Database Hub, or PADU, can help streamline this process. The MPs also spoke about how our tourism industry has performed post-pandemic, as well as flight delays.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Projek BacaBaca began two years ago with the aim of closing the learning poverty gap and improving reading performance for young children from underserved urban and rural communities around Malaysia. Since then, what has its impact been, and how has the initiative developed? We talk to Hema Letchamanan, Project Leader for Projek BacaBaca and Senior Lecturer at the School of Education at Taylor’s University, along with Zarina Abdul Hamid, a parent of one of the project’s beneficiaries.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A survey on X asked users what they thought were the most difficult jobs that also paid the least. Users listed down various professions, with teachers, construction workers, and farmers all being brought up. We open up the conversation to our listeners, who chimed in on who should be getting paid much better.Image Credit: PixabaySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's session kicked off with a discussion on the excess of unsold properties due to a mismatch between the value of properties and their affordability. Developers are being urged to conduct feasibility studies before construction to ensure that people can afford these new developments. MPs also talked about the poverty eradication programme, and how to address traffic congestion in Kuala Lumpur.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A story on X has gone viral, about a teacher being stopped at a roadblock and allegedly discriminated against by the police for having tattoos. We open up the conversation and talk about whether tattoos still influence the first impressions one might have of someone.Image Credit: UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A bit of Monday blues today for our MPs it seems, as today's session kicked off with a discussion on the four Bersatu MPs who jumped ship, and the number of police reports lodged after allegations of enticement, bribery and threats. Other topics discussed include SOPs for schools when receiving bullying reports, private investment in our agriculture sector, and whether the government should set a ceiling price for e-hailing.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

3 tragic incidents involving children being left in the backseat of the car were reported in the last 2 months alone, and child activists have reminded parents to be more mindful of their children. We speak with Srividhaya Ganapathy from the CRIB Foundation on methods to avoid such tragedies, and ask listeners what they do to remind themselves of their child in the backseat, and what collective responsibility might look like.Image Credit: UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Muda President Syed Saddiq has been found guilty on all 4 charges of abetting criminal breach of trust (CBT), misappropriation of funds and money laundering belonging to ARMADA. The Muar MP will temporarily step down as party president with Muda deputy president Amira Aisya Abdul Aziz taking over the helm after his departure. We speak to lawyer Fahri Azzat about the conviction.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

MPs discussed various issues in today's parliament including the government's assurance that there will always be freedom of media and speech in the country. Other topics brought up included tackling cost of living with the Price Standardisation Program and harvesting rainwater to deal with the country's water shortages.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you ever felt that the more you age, the more you can't tolerate certain behaviours or situations like you used to before? That's what X is currently discussing, with people sharing gripes on social etiquette, staying up late and chasing people (be it for friends or love). We discuss this with our listeners.Image credit: UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's session featured a lot of discussions on our housing policies, particularly the gaps in the enforcement of the Housing Development Act and the maintenence of low cost flats. Other topics that were discussed include the issue of international job scams, and nuclear technology for the advancement of our agriculture sector.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some prefer calling, and some refuse to pick up the phone, resorting instead to messaging (whether it be via messaging apps or email). A discussion on this has been making the rounds on X, and we get into what these preference means for people on both sides.Image Credits: PexelsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's parliament session, the MPs discussed how much money was being allocated for the promotion of their own initiatives, the US’s proposed unilateral sanctions against supporters of Palestine & Hamas as well as programs to improve reading, writing and counting skills among standard 6 students in Sarawak.Image Credits: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's session was a lively one, with MPs discussing the type of crops and livestocks the government is prioritising to ensure food self-sufficiency, new efforts to expand the digital economy ecosystem and plans to improve our RFID systems (a much loved subject for Malaysian drivers!). There was also a debate about MPs being absent from parliament, and the dissatisfaction over their names potentially being displayed on parliament's website.Image Credits: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Parliament on Oct 16, Masjid Tanah MP Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin raised the issue of Tourism, Arts, and Culture Minister, Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing dancing and drinking in public, referencing an old viral video of him socialising at a lantern festival in Pelangai. The minister responded saying there was no issue with him drinking alcohol as he is not a Muslim, and that his actions do not reflect on his performance as a minister. We discuss public perception of politicians' behaviour, where the line is between the personal and professional, and why there tends to be more judgement when a politician is seen "letting loose".Image Credits: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government has announced that the National Service two-phase approach will be targeting Malaysians between the ages of 16 and 35 years. This has caused quite a stir on social media, so we get into the mixed reactions and ask our listeners how they'd feel about being called up for National Service.Image Credits: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's session of parliament, the World Health Organisation's Pandemic Preparedness Treaty was brought up, which the government affirmed its support of. Besides that, MPs also discussed naked towers in Sarawak, housing for the poor, as well as the possibility of increasing the standing of national archery in the country.Image Credits: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Should nasi kandar only be halal? This question is making its rounds online after a video went viral of a nasi kandar stall serving pork in their dishes, with many netizens criticising the stall but others pointing out that it clearly states that it is non-halal. Meanwhile, the Malaysian Muslim Restaurant Owners Association (Presma) has also slammed the restaurant, saying that nasi kandar was originally introduced by Indian Muslims, and that 'Nasi Kandar Babi' would create confusion among customers. We discuss the issue and open up the conversation to listeners.Image Credits: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Measures to tackle school bullying were among the key issues in today's parliament. The Education Ministry has launched detailed guidelines for schools to adhere to when dealing with incidents of bullying, and will increase the number of guidance counsellors if the number of cases continue to rise. Other topics discussed include upgrading speed cameras and improving the care of children under the Welfare Department.Image Credits: Facebook / Anwar IbrahimSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Clean Cut is back to bring you the laughs! The drill is, we invite comedians to come to our office to perform a set in from of the BFM staff, record it, and share it with you. The caveat is that they have to perform a set that would be playable on air and not get our license or their reputations revoked. Joanne Kam joins us for our fourth episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Travel the world? Begin a romance? Learn a new language? These are some of the things people said they'd do if they could afford to take a break from their careers. So we ask our listeners how they'd make the best out of this work-free time.Image Credits: UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's parliament session, the MPs discussed the Israel-Palestine conflict, and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim made clear the country's stance on it, despite pressure from the US. Other topics discussed include measures to encourage more women to return to the workforce, battery-swapping technology for electric motorcycles, and how the government is monitoring contractors when they do road repair work.Image Credits: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last week, Big Pharmacy’s partnered video with a digital creator went viral after drawing criticism for being racist and offensive - the video featured an influencer imitating an Indian accent whilst scanning items over the counter with a "bindi" drawn on his forehead. Social media users shared their thoughts on having a racially diverse workforce in order to prevent such insensitive incidents.Image Credits: UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chaos in the Dewan Rakyat yet again. Arau MP Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim accused Tebrau MP Jimmy Puah of supporting Israel, which Puah denied and also demanded that the statement be retracted. Backbenchers began to chime in, forcing deputy speaker Alice Lau to intervene. Other issues raised include a "kill-switch" for unwanted incidents at concerts, and content on streaming platforms potentially being filtered.Image Credits: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A conducive and supportive learning environment can go a long way towards bolstering students' academic success, and this becomes even more essential when we talk about learning virtually. We speak with Prof Dr Santhi Raghavan, vice-president of Open University Malaysia, on how teaching methodologies go hand-in-hand with a supportive learning environment.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia is considering sending TVET lecturers and trainers to South Korea and Turkiye for the Training of Trainers program. We discuss these overseas training trips and their value, and ask listeners what best practices we could adopt, and from which countries.Image Credits: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has reminded all government departments to not entertain any letters that are not written in Bahasa Malaysia. He justified this as being an integral part of empowering our culture and language. A lot of reactions to this online, so we look into them and discuss whether this is the right move on the part of the government.Image Credits: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's session of parliament, our public transportation system was a central topic of discussion. They talked about the new open payment system that's about to be implemented fully in our rail and bus networks (which will allow people to use their credit or debit card to commute, on top of Touch-N-Go and tokens), plans to renegotiate the KTMB Shuttle Tebrau service between JB Sentral and Singapore, as well as women coaches. The MPs also discussed the issues within our rubber industry, and how to attract more young people to work in the sector.Imag Credits: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Students in underserved communities face many challenges on their pathway to getting the best out of their education, but there are initiatives aiming to help. One of them is CAREbinet by The Risers, which provides learners in these communities access to basic needs like food and hygiene products through the building and distributing of sustainable cabinets to schools in Kuala Lumpur, which is especially important as costs of living continue to rise. We learn more about the CAREbinet by The Risers, an initiative under the Taylorsphere campaign, by speaking with Josephine Tan, Taylors College Campus Director, and Farhan Hafetz, marketing director of the JASMINE Food Corporation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's topic of discussion was on thrifting and buying secondhand items. Whether it's value for money or for sustainable reasons, more and more people are moving towards thrifiting or buying secondhand. We asked listeners if they shop secondhand, and what draws them to.Image Credits: UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A variety of topics were discussed in parliament today. Among them were empowering youth entrepreneurs in the modern agriculture industry, and ageing pipes causing water leakages amounting to losses worth RM2 billion. MPs also discussed food security, and the need to reduce traffic congestion on our highways, especially during the festive season.Image Credits: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We're talking about food today, after a user on X wanted to know (in genuine curiosity) why the food from Sabah is "bland". Many people came forward to explain (and defend!) Sabahan cuisine, and we expanded the conversation to talk about what the barometer is for "tasteless food".Image Credits: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Another day, another session of parliament. Today kicked off with guidelines for rallies, following what happened at the Save Palestine rally last weekend where people were stopped from chanting takbirs. Then, the MPs moved on to discuss upgrades to our sports stadiums, specifically on the installation of Zeon Zoysia grass. Other topics of discussion included the issue of abandoned housing projects, and recycled phone numbers.Image Credits: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The “Freedom For Palestine” rally at Dataran Merdeka on Oct 22, organised by Viva Palestina Malaysia and MyCARE, got mixed responses on social media. Despite being attended by thousands of supporters, the rally was also called out by attendees for a number of things, including the confiscation of protest posters, stopping people from chanting the takbir, and putting out VIP chairs for specific guests. We look into what people are saying, and talk about what rallies aim to do... and what it means to do that effectively.Image Credits: UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

MPs were banned from using the words "kafir", "Zionist", and "Yahudi" to refer to each other in parliament, by Dewan Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul. The Speaker said it was wrong to use words that could cause feelings of hurt or enmity between different commnities in Malaysia, and reminded MPs to prioritise national issues instead of using the Dewan Rakyat for politicking. Other topics discussed included issues involving the 3Rs, mechanisms for EPF Flexi accounts, and roadblocks in the process to obtaining citizenship.Image Credits: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recently MyAirlines suspended operations effective immediately due to “severe financial challenges” - which left many passengers stranded with no flights, some even right at the airport. We talk about the frustration and stress when a flight is unexpectedly cancelled, and hear from listeners about their worst experiences with this.Image Credits: UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.